1. Computer Fundamentals
David Samuel Bhatti

2. Computer Software

3. The Importance of Software in Business
High
Software $
Hardware
Low
1950
today
time

4. An Overview of Software
What is ‘Software’?
set of command and instructions designed to achieve the specific goal
Software guides the hardware to do some thing useful

5. Classes of Software Systems software Application software
Set of programs that coordinates activities and functions of the hardware and various other programs
Application software
Programs that help users solve particular computing problems

6. Spheres of Influence Personal Workgroup Enterprise
Information systems that serve the needs of an individual user
Workgroup
Two or more people who work together to achieve a common goal
Enterprise
Information systems that support the firm in its interaction with its environment.

7. Issues and Trends Software licensing
Protection by software vendors to prevent unauthorized use
Software upgrades
A revised version of software that usually includes fixes of known problems, plus enhancements to existing capabilities
Global software support
Software that is distributed around the globe may require unique support mechanisms due to local political and economic conditions

8. Ownership
Freeware
Shareware
Public-domain software

9. Freeware Copyrighted software given away for free by the author.
Although it is available for free, the author retains the copyright
You cannot do anything with it that is not expressly allowed by the author
Usually, the author allows people to use the software, but not sell it.
Examples

10. Shareware Software distributed on the basis of an honor system.
Most shareware is delivered free of charge
but the author usually requests that you pay a small fee if you like the program and use it regularly.
By sending the small fee, you become registered with the producer so that you can receive service assistance and updates.
You can copy shareware and pass it along to friends and colleagues
Friends too are expected to pay a fee if they use the product.
Shareware is inexpensive because it is usually produced by a single
programmer and is offered directly to customers.
Thus, there are practically no packaging or advertising expenses
Example

11. Public-domain Software
Refers to any program that is not copyrighted
Public-domain software is free and can be used without restrictions.
The term public-domain software is often used incorrectly to include freeware, free software that is nevertheless copyrighted
Example

12. Role of Systems Software
System software…
Is an interface or buffer between application software and hardware
Controls the computer hardware and acts as an interface with applications programs
Schematic

13. Types of Application Software
Proprietary
Designed to solve a unique and specific problem
In-house
Development of application software using the company’s resources
Contract
Developed for a particular company
Off-the-shelf
An existing software program that can be used without considerable changes expected

14. Turbo Tax (Figure 4.6) Turbo Tax
Provides automated assistance for tax preparation and submission.
(Figure 4.6) 24

15. Quicken (Figure 4.7) Quicken
An off-the-shelf software package that provides assistance for standard check writing and personal accounting.
(Figure 4.7) 25

16. Word Processing (Figure 4.8) Word Processing
Provides assistance in formulating, formatting, and printing documents such as letters, memos, and papers.
(Figure 4.8) 26

17. Spreadsheet (Figure 4.9) Spreadsheet
Provides a wide range of built-in functions for statistical, financial, logical, database, graphics, and data and time calculations.
(Figure 4.9) 27

18. Database (Figure 4.10) Database
Stores, manipulates, and retrieves data.
(Figure 4.10) 28

19. Graphics Usually called Presentation Graphics Graphics Program
Helps make a presentation;
develops brochures, illustrations, etc.
Usually called
Presentation
Graphics

20. Software Concepts - OLE
OLE = Object Linking and Embedding
A software feature that allows you to copy text from one document to another or embed graphics from one program into another program or document
Server Application
The application that supplies objects you place into other applications
Client application
The application that accepts objects from other applications

21. OLE Concepts Copy Link Embed
Copy data from one application and place it in another
Link
Changes made to the server object to automatically appear in all linked client objects
Embed
An object to become part of the client document

22. Workgroup Application Software
Groupware
Software that helps groups of people work together more efficiently and effectively
Collaborative computing software
Software that helps teams of people work together toward a common goal

23. Enterprise Application Software
Software that benefits the entire organization
Examples
Accounts receivable Sales ordering
Accounts payable Order entry
Cash-flow analysis Check processing
Manufacturing control Receiving
General Ledger Retail Operations

24. ERP ‘Discussion’
Short for enterprise resource planning, a business management
system that integrates all facets of the business, including planning,
manufacturing, sales, and marketing. As the ERP methodology has
become more popular, software applications have emerged to help
business managers implement ERP.

25. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
A set of integrated programs that manage a company’s vital business operations for an entire multi-site, global organization
Vendor examples
SAP Baan
Oracle SSA
PeopleSoft Marcam
Dun & Bradstreet QAD
JD Edwards Ross Systems
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